Cellular and Molecular Medicine

The Cellular and Molecular Medicine graduate program is multidisciplinary, focusing on the developmental, physiological, pharmacological, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the function of organ systems and their associated diseases,
This program of study aims to provide students with a vigorous training in the techniques and approaches used for scientific research in medicine using state of the art facilities and equipment, a strong knowledge base in biological sciences and critical thinking skills through course work, research seminars, and independent in laboratory research leading to a thesis.
Program Highlights
- Linked with the Canadian Stroke Network and the Stem Cell network
- Large department with approximately 3 000 square feet of laboratories and common research facilities
Collaborative programs
- Bioinformatics
- Human and Molecular Genetics
- Pathology and Experimental Medicine
Facilities, Research Centres and Institutes
Most research groups in the Department are part of a research centre. These centres include the:
- Centre for Neural Dynamics
- University of Ottawa Centre for Neuromuscular Disease
- Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
- Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery
- Kidney Research Centre
- University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre
- Medical Devices Innovation Institute
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute
Programs Offered in this Discipline
MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine with Thesis
The programs prepare candidates for a variety of careers in teaching and research both within and outside of academia. During training, the student will develop a critical approach to published work and to his own work. Graduates acquire an excellent knowledge of their chosen field and a general understanding of the areas related to their own particular research project. They must demonstrate research skills and credibility as professionals in their area of research.
Program structure
Expected duration of the program: 6 full-time terms; 24 consecutive months
- Year 1: Courses, thesis proposal, research
- Year 2: Research, thesis writing and oral defence
Admission requirements
Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.
Fast-track from the MSc to the PhD
Outstanding students enrolled in the MSc program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master's thesis.
MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine with Research Project
The MSc in cellular and molecular medicine with research project is a one-year program designed to prepare candidates for careers in the biomedical sciences by enhancing competency in biomedical research, including the technology and techniques, specialized knowledge, critical thinking skills, communication skills, and professional skills through course work and participation in biomedical research in a laboratory setting.
Students must successfully complete 15 units of courses, a professionalism and professional skills course and an 8-month research project in order to meet the requirements of the program. Student must identify a supervisor prior enrolling.
Program structure
Expected duration of the program: 3 full-time terms; 12 consecutive months (Fall, Winter, Spring/summer)
- Term 1: Completion of the following courses:
6 units of 5000- or 8000-level courses from the MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine
6 units at the 5000- or 8000-level from any program at the Faculty of Medicine
MED 8166 Professionalism and Professional Skills
MED 5301 Seminars - Term 2: MED 5900 Research Project
- Term 3: Completion of MED 5900 Research Project
Admission requirements
To be eligible for admission, candidates must:
- Have a bachelor of sciences (BSc) degree with a specialization or major (or equivalent) in one of the following areas: biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, human kinetics (kinesiology), biopharmaceutical or biomedical sciences with a minimum average of 75% (B+).
Note: International candidates must check the admission equivalencies for the diploma they received in their country of origin.
- Demonstrate a good academic performance in previous studies as shown by official transcripts, research reports, abstracts or any other documents demonstrating research skills.
- Identify at least one professor who is willing to supervise your research project.
Language Requirements
- Applicants must be able to understand and fluently speak the language of instruction (French or English) in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required. Most of the courses in this program are offered in English.
- Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.
Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.
Notes
- The admission requirements listed above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the program.
- Admissions are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.
Transfer to/from the MSc with thesis from/to the MSc with research project
Transfer from the MSc with research project to the MSc with thesis is permitted if academic standing in the program is good and permission from the research supervisor is obtained. Transfer from the MSc with thesis to the MSc with research project is not permitted except under exceptional circumstances.
- Term 1: Completion of the following courses:
MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine Specialization in Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is an emerging and increasingly important scientific discipline dedicated to the pursuit of fundamental questions about the structure, function and evolution of biological entities through the design and application of computational approaches.
Fundamental research in these areas is expected to increase our understanding of human health and disease which translates into innovation in the industry. Bioinformaticians today must be able to appreciate significant research in other fields and therefore require an understanding of the basic principles of other disciplines.
The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "specialization in Bioinformatics."
Program structure
Expected duration of the program: 6 full-time terms; 24 consecutive months
- Year 1: Courses, thesis proposal, research
- Year 2: Research, thesis writing and oral defence
Admission requirements
Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.
Fast-track from the MSc to the PhD
Outstanding students enrolled in the MSc program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master's thesis.
MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine Specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics
The Faculty of Medicine offers a collaborative program in Human and Molecular Genetics at the master's and doctoral levels. The primary graduate programs in Biochemistry (BCH), Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Neuroscience (NSC) collaborate in offering the specialization.
The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics."
Members of the program include scientists with interest and expertise in the following areas: developmental genetics, neuromuscular disease, microbial genetics, host resistance, cancer biology, aging, development of novel molecular therapeutics, gene therapy, growth and development, auto-immune diseases, molecular biology of viruses, bacteria and parasites, genetic epidemiology, retinal development and disease, animal models of human disease, molecular aspects of signal transduction.
Program structure
Expected duration of the program: 6 full-time terms; 24 consecutive months
- Year 1: Courses, thesis proposal, research
- Year 2: Research, thesis writing and oral defence
Admission requirements
Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.
Fast-track from the MSc to the PhD
Outstanding students enrolled in the MSc program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master's thesis.
MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine
The objective of the Pathology and Experimental Medicine collaborative program is to provide graduate students with the knowledge and skills to examine the basic mechanisms of disease pathology, and to develop new strategies for prevention and treatment.
The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates “Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine.”
Program structure
Expected duration of the program: 6 full-time terms; 24 consecutive months
- Year 1: Courses, thesis proposal, research
- Year 2: Research, thesis writing and oral defence
Admission requirements
Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.
Fast-track from the MSc to the PhD
Outstanding students enrolled in the MSc program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master's thesis.
PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine
The programs prepare candidates for a variety of careers in teaching and research both within and outside of academia. During training, the student will develop a critical approach to published work and to his own work. Graduates acquire an excellent knowledge of their chosen field and a general understanding of the areas related to their own particular research project. They must demonstrate research skills and credibility as professionals in their area of research.
The doctoral program participates in the Combined MD / PhD Program, which allows students to graduate with both a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine and an MD.
Program structure
Expected duration of the program: 16 full-time terms; 64 consecutive months
- Year 1 and 2: Courses, thesis proposal, comprehensive exam, research
- Year 3 and 4: Research, thesis writing and oral defence
Admission requirements
Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.
PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine Specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics
The Faculty of Medicine offers a collaborative program in Human and Molecular Genetics at the master's and doctoral levels. The primary graduate programs in Biochemistry (BCH), Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Neuroscience (NSC) collaborate in offering the specialization.
The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "Specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics."
Members of the program include scientists with interest and expertise in the following areas: developmental genetics, neuromuscular disease, microbial genetics, host resistance, cancer biology, aging, development of novel molecular therapeutics, gene therapy, growth and development, auto-immune diseases, molecular biology of viruses, bacteria and parasites, genetic epidemiology, retinal development and disease, animal models of human disease, molecular aspects of signal transduction.
The doctoral program participates in the Combined MD / PhD Program, which allows students to graduate with both a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine and an MD.
Program structure
Expected duration of the program: 16 full-time terms; 64 consecutive months
- Year 1 and 2: Courses, thesis proposal, comprehensive exam, research
- Year 3 and 4: Research, thesis writing and oral defence
Admission requirements
Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.
PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine
The objective of the Pathology and Experimental Medicine collaborative program is to provide graduate students with the knowledge and skills to examine the basic mechanisms of disease pathology, and to develop new strategies for prevention and treatment.
The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates “Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine.”
The doctoral program participates in the Combined MD / PhD Program, which allows students to graduate with both a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine and an MD.
Program structure
Expected duration of the program: 16 full-time terms; 64 consecutive months
- Year 1 and 2: Courses, thesis proposal, comprehensive exam, research
- Year 3 and 4: Research, thesis writing and oral defence
Admission requirements
Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.
PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine Specialization in Bioinformatic
Bioinformatics is an emerging and increasingly important scientific discipline dedicated to the pursuit of fundamental questions about the structure, function and evolution of biological entities through the design and application of computational approaches.
Fundamental research in these areas is expected to increase our understanding of human health and disease which translates into innovation in the industry. Bioinformaticians today must be able to appreciate significant research in other fields and therefore require an understanding of the basic principles of other disciplines.
The degree awarded specifies the primary program and indicates "specialization in Bioinformatics."
The doctoral program participates in the Combined MD / PhD Program, which allows students to graduate with both a PhD in Biochemistry and an MD.
Program structure
Expected duration of the program: 16 full-time terms; 64 consecutive months
- Year 1 and 2: Courses, thesis proposal, comprehensive exam, research
- Year 3 and 4: Research, thesis writing and oral defence
Admission requirements
Please read the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this program.
Admission
Application Deadlines
Candidates | Fall term | Winter term | Spring-summer term |
---|---|---|---|
Canadian candidates | August 1 | December 1 | April 1 |
International candidates | March 1 | August 1 | January 1 |
Admission Requirements
- MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine with thesis
- MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine with research project (Please see above for the admission requirements for this program)
- MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine Specialization in Bioinformatics
- MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine Specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics
- MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine
- PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine
- PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine Specialization in Bioinformatics
- PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine Specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics
- PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine Specialization in Pathology and Experimental Medicine